Javier Bardem is in talks to join the ever-growing cast of Legendary’s upcoming film adaptation of Dune.
He’s set to play Stilgar, the leader of the tribe that helps lead character Paul Atreides, played by Timothée Chalamet (Call Me By Your Name, Beautiful Boy).
Bardem is best known for his work in the likes of No Country For Old Men and Skyfall.
The actor will also join Oscar Isaac (Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Ex Machina) as Paul’s father Duke Leto Atreides, Rebecca Ferguson (The Greatest Showman, The Girl On The Train) as Lady Jessica, Zendaya (The Greatest Showman, Spider-Man: Homecoming) as Paul’s love interest Chani, Stellan Skarsgård (Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo) as Baron Harkonnen and Dave Bautista (Guardians Of The Galaxy, Blade Runner 2049) as Baron Harkonnen’s brutish nephew.
Denis Villeneuve is directing, and writing the script alongside Eric Roth and Jon Spaihts.
The Dune reboot is based on Frank Herbert’s 1965 sci-fi novel of the same name, and follows the 1984 film adaptation, which was directed by David Lynch and starred Kyle MacLachlan as Paul Atreides.
If you’re unfamiliar with the story, here’s the novel’s Amazon synopsis:
The Duke of Atreides has been manoeuvred by his arch-enemy, Baron Harkonnen, into administering the desert planet of Dune. Although it is almost completely without water, Dune is a planet of fabulous wealth, for it is the only source of a drug prized throughout the Galactic Empire. The Duke and his son, Paul, are expecting treachery, and it duly comes – but from a shockingly unexpected place.
Then Paul succeeds his father, and he becomes a catalyst for the native people of Dune, whose knowledge of the ecology of the planet gives them vast power. They have been waiting for a leader like Paul Atreides, a leader who can harness that force…
Dune does not yet have a release date. Get all the latest sci-fi news with every issue of SciFiNow.